A former special education teacher at a Florida high school has been taken into custody after authorities accused her of having a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old brother of one of her former students.
Michelle Lynn Hancock, 41, of Palm Bay, faces multiple charges, including transmitting material harmful to minors, using a computer to seduce or solicit a child, traveling to meet a child after allegedly using a computer to lure them, lewd and lascivious touching, sexual battery by an authority figure, and soliciting or engaging in conduct with a student, according to Brevard County jail records.
Michelle Lynn Hancock, 41, of Palm Bay, formerly worked as a special education teacher at Heritage High School and is accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage boy. (Brevard County Sheriff’s Office; Google Maps)
Police arrested Hancock on Wednesday after officers responded to a report of a suspicious pickup truck parked along the roadside and found her inside with the teenager. Authorities said both allegedly acknowledged that sexual activity had occurred.
A spokesperson for Brevard Public Schools told Florida Today that Hancock is no longer employed by the district.
Hancock is facing allegations that she engaged in sexual activity with a teenage boy. (Getty)
“We are deeply troubled by these allegations. The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” the district said.
News Agency has contacted the Palm Bay Police Department and the school district seeking additional comment.
Hancock was a special education teacher at Heritage High School, where she met the teen after having previously taught his older brother, according to an affidavit obtained by People.
The teen had withdrawn from the high school and enrolled in virtual classes, authorities said. However, he began visiting Hancock at the school and stated they had kissed in her classroom.
They maintained a relationship before briefly separating, local media reported.
However, the pair began texting each other again and re-engaged in sexual activity a month ago, authorities said. Hancock would also send the teen photos of herself that were “sexual in nature,” police said.
Hancock is being held in the Brevard County jail on a $525,000 bond.
